The Type 85, which was developed by China's North Industries Group Corporation AKA NORINCO, with out Government funding and based on a Type 80 hull, was an export vehicle, whilst the Type 88 (also based on the Type 80) was adopted by the PLA. The Type 85 was further developed in to a series that was also manufactured under licence in Pakistani as the Type 85-IIAP (and had previously license manufactured the Type 59).
The Type 90 (not to be confused with the Japanese Type 90 nor Russian T-90) was the successor to the Type 85-II, but was not excepted in to PLA service. Instead it was further developed into the Type 90 2M and offered as an export vehicle.
Pakistan went on to further develop the Type 90 2M and by August 1991, Chinese built prototypes were being field tested, whilst Pakistan finished construction of it’s manufacturing plant in Taxila, which was completed in 1992. Almost ten years and $20 million later, Pakistan had completed it’s progressive development of the original design, which had focused on adapting the vehicle for the harsh hot climate of the country and its rough terrain.
The vehicle is a small light compact design weighing in at 48 tons. It uses a modular design that can be updated with various ceramics/tiles that can form a basic composite armour. ERA is installed on all vehicles. It also has a standard NBC system.
The vehicle has a 3 man crew, commander, gunner and driver, with the operator being replaced by a Russian 2A46 auto loader with a 24 round magazine and can load and fire at a rate of eight rounds per minute. Armed with a 125mm 48 cal length smoothbore, the vehicle is able to fire a number of munitions including APFSDS and HEAT. It can also fire the Chinese AT-11 Sniper ATM (the Chinese copy of the Russian 9M119 Svir). For close encounters, the vehicle has a 7.62mm coaxial MG, a and a 12.7 mm externally-mounted air-defence machine gun that can be operated from within the vehicle, as well as smoke grenade launchers.
The vehicle has a modern Western fire control system (laser rangefinder & atmospheric sensors) as well a vehicle tracking capability. The gunners stabilised sight and commanders independent sights are both capable of magnification and thermal imaging for night fighting. Other systems include the Al Technique Corporation’s LTS 1 laser threat warning system.
The mobility of the vehicle was the key focus of the adaptation period. A number of European engines and transmissions were tried and rejected for many reasons including cost and arms embargo’s following Pakistanis’ nuclear weapons testing program in the late 90’s. The engine chosen was the Ukrainian 6TD 1200hp supercharged diesel engine and semi-automatic transmission. The engine is said to be one of the best for operating in hot climates and it is for these reasons that field testing has/was planned by the United Arab Emirates in 2003, Saudi Arabia in April 2006 (rummered that they may buy 150) Malaysia and Bangladesh. It uses torsion bar suspension and is equipped with an auxiliary power unit.
Production of the vehicle commenced in 1999, with first vehicles entering service in 2001 and its not fully clear how many are in service, some reports say 220 were in service as of May 2008, however the International Institute of Strategic Studies estimates no more than 45 are in service at the end of 2008. What is clear is that Pakistan plans to build a total of 600 Al-Khalid tanks for its armed forces and that 315 6TD-2 engines have been purchased. The vehicle does have a promising future as a cost effective 3rd generation export model for less wealthier countries.
